Way of the Samurai 3 And The Branching Release

The Way of the Samurai games are known for swordplay and a choose your own adventure style branching plot. I suppose it’s fitting that Way of the Samurai 3 has two publishing paths. Agetec is handling the PlayStation 3 version while UFO Interactive is publishing the game on Xbox 360.

We contacted UFO and Agetec to tell us about the agreement and what the North American version of Way of the Samurai 3 will be like.

How did you get in touch with Spike to get the rights to Way of the Samurai 3?

Spike has a long history with Agetec and UFO. An opportunity presented itself and the rest is history.

UFO Interactive isn’t publishing the PS3 version of Way of the Samurai 3, but someone else is…

Yes, Agetec is publishing the PS3 version of Way of the Samurai 3.

How did the co-publishing agreement with Agetec come about?

Agetec has always been a long time partner of ours and when a good opportunity presented itself, we were right there to put in the work.

This deal is quite unique. What do you think the benefits of the agreement are?

During this economic climate, Agetec and UFO wanted to leverage our collective experience and knowledge to release a franchise title for both the PS3 and X360 platforms, while dividing up the total development cost. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, including the fans, who are able to get this title on the platform of their choice.

When Spike announced the Xbox 360 version in Japan they said there were new features not in the PS3 version. Since both versions will be released here around the same time with the games be the same?

The PS3 version of this title will be released first in the NA territories, with the X360 version to follow soon after. All content added to the X360 version has been added to the PS3 and both will be identical in content.

Way of the Samurai 3 Plus was just announced in Japan. Will we see any of that content in North America?

Since the first Way of the Samurai 3 (PS3) release in Japan had no DLC at all, this new, budget version will have a few changes added with this brand new DLC content and marketed as a budget range product in Japan. There are no current plans to bring this title to the US and the X360 version in Japan does not include the new DLC either. The Way of the Samurai 3 “Plus” budget version can be classified as a Japan PS3 exclusive.

How is combat in Way of the Samurai 3 different from the other games in the series?

Besides the combination attacks that you will be able to deal (as in most titles), this version has several systems in play that will offer new levels of ‘combat’ that can alter the outcome of the title. Some of these include the “Unsheathing” and “Dogeza/Apologize System”. The former is just as it sounds, with the player being able to unsheathe their weapon, showing intent to fight. This can also be used during Free and Event cutscenes, adding a new level of drama to the title. The latter is a respect/mercy type system, where one can, for example, beg for one’s life, if you are about to be killed (or vice versa). These variations will create unique scenarios, decisions, etc for the player to make, creating a varied experience for all users.

Additional features include the Spear Stance, Bare Handed fighting, along with the ability to create your own weapons by combining various parts and pieces found throughout the land. Another new feature is the blunt attack, which can change the outcome of certain encounters. Instead of killing an opponent, NPC, etc. (a killed opponent will not be able to return), you can use the blunt attack to temporarily disable and ‘knock out’ your opponent without delivering the killing blow.

Partners that you acquire throughout your journey can also assist the player in combat.

Is it true that you can have a cat girl companion?

Yes, Nyanya is a partner that can join the player. She’s a very interesting character and fully equipped in a cat outfit (Cat hands, boots and ears). She also wields a giant tuna!

The Way of the Samurai titles have a lot of text. Who is handling the localization duties UFO or Agetec?

Both Agetec and UFO will be working side-by-side on the localization.

Are you dubbing the game with English or keeping the Japanese voice acting?

Players will have the option of choosing either the English voice acting or the Japanese version with subtitles.

Will the PS3 version have trophies?

Yes, a total of 50 trophies, along with the ability to obtain a Platinum trophy.

Is UFO adding any extra content or tweaking anything for the US release?

Graphic improvements has been done to the river in the Takatane Village, along with tweaking on how the bonus content is distributed.

A bunch of DLC is online in Japan, like the gladiator costume. Is the content coming to North America too?

Yes, all the DLC from Japan will be available in the North American version as well.

Spike announced a handful of Way of the Samurai PSP ports. Are there plans to pick any of these up?

Good interview. I really enjoyed both of the Way of the Samurai games, so I’m going to pre-order this one for sure.

JeremyR

Is that a fish in your pants or are you happy to see me?

But yeah, good interview. You don’t see much about smaller companies like this on bigger site.

http://www.siliconera.com Spencer

Thanks. We try to reach out and contact the smaller companies here :)

Kris

Wow, before this interview, I wasn’t really interested in WoTS3, but it definitely looks like it’s worth a purchase!

thebanditking

So it comes out on PS3 first? I saw identical releases when I looked on Amazon and Gamestop the other day, guess they were mistaken. Does anyone understand what he was talking about when he said

“Graphic improvements has been done to the river in the Takatane Village”

Not really understanding what needed to be imporved, did they re do the water physics and effects or was there no water, did the fish swim above it in the JP version. Just seemed strange to point out a specific river in a certain area. Spencer do you know whats up?

fuzaku

I guess these little fixes happen all the time. The only thing strange here is that someone actually bothered to mention such a small thing in an interview.

Chow

The new PS3 logo actually looks pretty good on this box. I guess I’m getting more used to it.

http://twitter.com/Modewarp Jason

“Since the first Way of the Samurai 3 (PS3) release in Japan had no DLC at all, this new, budget version will have a few changes added with this brand new DLC content and marketed as a budget range product in Japan. There are no current plans to bring this title to the US and the X360 version in Japan does not include the new DLC either. The Way of the Samurai 3 “Plus” budget version can be classified as a Japan PS3 exclusive.”

“Yes, all the DLC from Japan will be available in the North American version as well. ”

Surely you can see why these statements would be confusing. Please clarify.

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